We are committed to creating a focused and safe learning environment for all our students. From September, Lady Manners School will be making a minor amendment to our policy in relation to the use of mobile phones in lessons.
From the start of the new academic year, students in Years 7,8 and 9 will not require a phone for any lesson. However, if a specific activity in a GCSE or equivalent course would benefit from phone use, students will receive advance notice and be allowed to use this technology to enhance their learning in specific lessons. Those students without a phone will have access to a suitable alternative provided by the school. Phones may only be used under the strict supervision of a teacher and must not be seen or heard at any other time.
Sixth Form students are permitted to bring phones and use these in the Sixth Form Centre. However, these must not be visible in the main school, except in the library for study purposes.
Students will be permitted to carry a mobile phone for safety reasons when travelling to and from school. However, unless explicit permission is given by a teacher in the older years, phone must not be seen or used on our school site at any time during the school day.
Frequently Asked Questions
| FAQ | Notes for students, parents and carers |
| I check my timetable on my phone | All students will receive a paper timetable at the start of the year and a card version for their blazer pocket. |
| How will I know the time? | There are clocks in every classroom and you can wear a normal watch. |
| What if I need to contact my parents/carers? | You can go and see your Head of Year or your year group pastoral support and they will contact home for you, or allow you to use your phone to send a message or call. |
| What if I am not well and want to go home? | Students cannot make this decision; you must go and see your Head of Year or your year group pastoral support who will help you and contact home if you are not well. |
| I use my phone/watch for a medical condition, what should I do? | Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| What happens if my parents/carers need to contact me during the day? | Parents/carers need to contact the year group pastoral team by email or phone, or call reception and a message will be passed on to you: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk 01629 812671. |
| I use Class Charts on my phone for homework and to check announcements and my positives | This is great, but can wait until you are on your way home or at home. If you need to do this whilst at school you can use a school computer. |
| Why can’t I use my smart watch? | Smart watches are not allowed as they access many of the same functions as mobile phones causing the same unnecessary distractions.
Smart watches are already banned from all examination venues. |
| Why can’t I use my ear buds? | As mobile phones and smart watches should be turned off, there is no need for ear buds or headphones. You can have them in your bag to use on your journeys to and from school but not during the school day. |
| I use headphones for my additional needs, what should I do? | Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email or the SENCO to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| Can I wear a Fitbit? | No, this has some similar functions as a mobile phone. |
| What about school trips? | The use of phones, ear buds and smart watches on school trips will be decided for each trip individually. |
We look forward to students having fewer distractions and more conversations with their peers and hopefully worrying just a little bit less about something that may or may not have been said on social media.
We appreciate your support with our approach.